Volunteers Around Massachusetts Celebrating MLK's Legacy With Day Of Service
BOSTON (CBS) – People across the country, including in Massachusetts, will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a day of service on Monday. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the national MLK day of service.
In Hingham, some 400 volunteers have signed up to help with one project. The MLK meal packing day of service starts at 9 a.m. and goes until 1 p.m. at the St. John the Evangelist church. The project is in its third year.
Organizers with the Hingham Hull Religious Leaders Association said the volunteers will pack some 50,000 meals for local food pantries and homeless shelters.
"A lot of people right now are choosing between heating and eating. They just don't have the resources," said Matthew Martin, the program's outreach coordinator. "
Meals range from oatmeal to soup. Recipients will only need boiled water to make each meal.
The volunteers paused every hour to listen to an excerpt of Dr. King's writing. Both young and old volunteers pitched in to help.
"This helps to reinforce the message of being friendly and helpful and giving back to the community," said Brittany Minnhan, of Hingham.
Each meal costs about 30 cents per serving. Organizers say donations are still being accepted to cover costs.
So far, the group has raised a little over $5,000.
If you'd like to donate, you can learn more on the Hingham Hull Religious Leaders Association Facebook page.
Massachusetts leaders attended the 50th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Breakfast at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center Monday morning.
Gov. Charlie Baker, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Sen. Ed Markey were in attendance. Rep. Pressley appeared wearing her newly revealed natural bald head.
Leaders spoke about the importance of paying attention to all members of the Boston community.
"You gotta show up," Gov. Baker said. "If you don't show up you don't hear from the people you need to hear from, you don't learn from them and you don't have the opportunity to do and pursue policies that will help make their lives and their communities stronger and better."
"I am so tired of people saying that what is ruining this country is identity politics. No it isn't," Rep. Pressley said. "It is hate and white supremacy that is codified through legislation.
Reverend Michael B. Curry, who delivered a sermon at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding, gave the keynote speech.